As a South and West Wales wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to work at some incredible venues, and De Courceys Manor is always one I look forward to returning to. Nestled just outside Cardiff, this exclusive South Wales wedding venue combines beautiful gardens, elegant interiors and a genuinely welcoming team, making it a fantastic choice for couples planning their wedding day.
While photographing Ashley and Shane’s beautiful wedding, I sat down with Lewis, Operations Manager at De Courceys Manor, to chat about what makes the venue so special, how they support couples throughout their planning journey, and why so many people choose De Courceys as their Cardiff wedding venue.
What makes couples fall in love with De Courceys Manor, and what sets it apart from other wedding venues in Cardiff and South Wales?
Lewis:
I think one of our biggest selling points is the exclusivity of the venue. We’ve got so many different spaces and perspectives throughout the manor, so every part of the day can feel unique.
The real standout feature at the moment is our Secret Garden, which is our outdoor ceremony area. It’s a beautiful, secluded space that Ashley and Shane have been able to make the most of today. Without needing to add anything, it creates a stunning, romantic backdrop for a wedding ceremony.
The best part is that you wouldn’t expect it when you first arrive. It’s completely enclosed, so it’s a lovely surprise for couples and their guests.
Every couple wants their wedding to feel personal. How does De Courceys help couples create a day that truly reflects their personalities and vision?
Lewis:
Again, exclusivity plays a huge part. Couples aren’t sharing the venue with anyone else, so they have complete freedom to make each space their own.
From the ceremony area to the Tapestry Suite for the wedding breakfast, right through to rooms like the Atrium and Cocktail Lounge, they can really put their own stamp on the day.
Another thing that makes us different is that we’re a relatively small team. From the initial enquiry right through to the wedding day, couples work with the same small group of people. That continuity helps build trust and makes the planning process much more personal.
What sort of guest numbers can De Courceys accommodate?
Lewis:
For a seated wedding breakfast, we can accommodate up to 130 guests.
For the evening celebration, because couples have exclusive use of the entire manor, we can welcome up to 200 guests.
From your experience, what part of the wedding day do guests talk about the most after celebrating at De Courceys?
Lewis:
Without a doubt, it’s our food.
From the top table to the last table, we pride ourselves on consistency, flavour and quality. Everything is freshly prepared, and one of the comments we hear time and time again is just how good the food is. It’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
De Courceys Manor is known for its beautiful surroundings. What are some of your favourite locations around the venue for wedding photographs?
Lewis:
The swing has become something of an icon here, so that’s always a favourite.
The arbour is another beautiful spot, especially in the evening when it’s lit up with twinkling lights. It creates such a romantic atmosphere.
We’re also surrounded by beautiful countryside, but I’d come back to the Secret Garden again. It isn’t just a fantastic ceremony space—it also provides so many different opportunities for stunning wedding photographs throughout the day.
Even if the weather isn’t on our side, there are plenty of beautiful indoor spaces too, so couples never have to worry about missing out on great photographs.
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. How does your team support couples from their first viewing right through to the wedding day?
Lewis:
It comes back to continuity. Couples work with the same small team throughout their planning journey, which makes everything much easier.
We’re also very responsive. We aim to answer every enquiry as quickly as possible—usually within minutes or hours depending on how busy we are, but never longer than 72 hours.
That means couples aren’t left waiting for important answers, especially when they’re trying to make time-sensitive decisions.
If you could give one piece of advice to newly engaged couples looking for the perfect Cardiff or South Wales wedding venue, what would it be? Why should De Courceys be on their shortlist?
Lewis:
I think De Courceys should be on every couple’s shortlist because we’ve really got a bit of everything.
When you’re choosing a venue, it’s important to think beyond just yourselves. Of course it’s your day, but you also want your family and friends to have a fantastic experience.
Consider things like the food, the comfort of your guests, the outdoor spaces and how the venue works for everyone attending.
At De Courceys we’ve created a venue that caters for all ages. We have spaces for children to enjoy, quieter lounges where older guests can relax, and plenty of room for everyone to celebrate together.
One thing I always tell couples is to think about the practical side too—accommodation, accessibility and making sure guests are comfortable. De Courceys seems to tick all of those boxes.
Lewis:
Absolutely.
The room we’re sitting in now is actually our Private Dining Room, but many couples use it as a children’s room with colouring books and games.
We also have quieter spaces like the Atrium and Cocktail Lounge where guests can take a break if they’d like somewhere more relaxed.
Being so close to the M4 also makes us really accessible for guests travelling from across South Wales and beyond.
Ultimately, we’ve designed the venue so there’s something for everyone.
Finally, where can couples find De Courceys online?
Lewis:
You can find us at www.decourceys.co.uk.
We’re also active on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. TikTok has become a really big part of how couples discover us, so it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s a great way for couples to get to know us before they even come for a viewing.
Final Thoughts
Having photographed weddings at De Courceys Manor several times, I can honestly say it’s one of those venues that offers something different every time I visit. From the hidden Secret Garden and elegant interiors to the incredible food and genuinely friendly team, it’s easy to see why so many couples choose it as their wedding venue in South Wales.
If you’re currently searching for a Cardiff wedding venue or a beautiful, exclusive South Wales wedding venue, De Courceys Manor is well worth adding to your shortlist.
And if you’re looking for a relaxed, documentary-style photographer who knows the venue well and can make the most of every corner it has to offer, I’d love to hear from you.